Communitty calendar for Eastside Messenger

"Karaoke Idol" to benefit Bexley Music Parents
Bexley Music Parents are looking for talented karaoke performers, with a contest modeled after the successful television program American Idol, "Karaoke Idol."  

On Nov. 19 and 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Cassingham Complex, community members, alumni and students of all ages will sing their favorite numbers for a shot at glory.  

"Celebrity" judges will offer reviews and comments, with audience members voting for their choices at a cost of 25 cents per vote.  "Karaoke Idol" offers winners first, second and third place trophies in three divisions, as well as a grand prize of $150.

Judging will take place in a preliminary round on Monday evening in the Cassingham Complex Cafeteria, with the finals in the Schottenstein Theatre on Tuesday evening.  
Proceeds benefit all Bexley Schools music programs.

Soloists and groups can register in the Cassingham Complex Main Lobby at lunch through November 19, or by signing up with their school music teachers.  Singers pay $2 to perform one song, or three songs for $5.  

Hadassah holds Hanukkah parties, collects gift donations
The community is invited to join the Columbus Chapter of Hadassah for three Hanukkah parties. On Dec. 10, at 6 p.m., Hadassah will hold its annual Hanukkah Party and Gift Auction. The event will take place at China Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, 1677 West Lane Avenue. Those who would like to attend are asked to bring wrapped gifts (minimum value $15) and RSVP to the Hadassah office.

Hadassah is sponsoring two Hanukkah parties featuring the Koleinu Choir:  Sunday, December 9, at 2 p.m. at Wexner Heritage House, 1151 College Avenue; and Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Kensington, 1001 Parkview Boulevard.

The choir, led by Jack Chomsky, will perform Hanukkah songs. The Koleinu Choir, which has sung with Marvin Hamlisch and Opera Columbus, has also participated in the National Jewish Choral Festival in Kfar Saba, Israel. Refreshments will be provided. There is no charge for these event, which are co-sponsored by Columbus Hadassah.
Now through Dec. 10, Columbus Hadassah is accepting donations of holiday gifts for families being helped by the Jewish Family Service. It is the chapter's Hanukkah Mitzvah Project.  

The gifts do not need to be wrapped. If wrapped, identify the package as to who the gift might be for (e.g., newborn to age 3 or adult female). Gift cards from stores like Wal-Mart and Target make a nice gift, as do cash or check donations. Make checks payable to Jewish Family Services, with Holiday Gift written on the memo line. Bring gifts to the Hadassah office or to the December 10 Hanukkah party and gift auction. The Hanukkah Mitzvah Project is chaired by Susie Blair.

Junior Winds Ensemble to perform at Capital
The Junior Winds, an ensemble consisting of young central Ohio musicians primarily in grades 7-9, will present its opening concert for 2007-2008 at 2 p.m. Nov. 18, in Mees Hall, located on Capital's Bexley campus, 1 College and Main.

Under the direction of James Dowdy, with guest conductor James Swearingen, the performance will feature such selections as Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man" and Michael Flatley's arrangement of "The Lord of the Dance."  
 
Pride Center East has sign-up for toy drive
The Neighborhood Pride Center East, 3585 E. Livingston Avenue will be accepting applications from Columbus residents to sign up their children to receive toys from this year's toy drive.  

To sign up on November 20 and December 20 between 1 and 6 p.m., you will need a picture identification of parent/guardian; Social Security Card for each child, proof of income (pay stub, award letter, child support letter, unemployment stub, utility check; proof of Columbus address; proof of each child (birth certificate, Care Source Card, Medicaid Card).  This is for Columbus zip codes 43227, 43232, 43068, 43209 and 43213.  For questions, call 724-0100.

Knights of Columbus Breakfast with Santa
The Knights of Columbus Council 5253 of St Pius X Catholic Church, 1061 Waggoner Road, Reynoldsburg, is sponsoring an all you can eat pancake breakfast with Santa on Dec. 8 from 9 am to noon in the school cafeteria.   

The breakfast will include pancakes, sausage and beverages.  Price is $3 for adults and $1.50 for children.  All proceeds are to benefit area children with disabilities.

Bexley High School to stage comedy "Scapino!"
Bexley High School Thespians expand their horizons this season with a fall production of "Scapino! A Long Way Off from Moliere,"  written by Frank Dunlop and Jim Dale.  
The show runs Nov. 17 and 18, in the Schottenstein Theatre at Bexley High School, 326 South Cassingham with a Saturday evening performance and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

According to Bexley's Theatre Program Director Rebecca Rhinehart, "Scapino!" incorporates dance, music, singing, mime, juggling, and slapstick comedy.  
The play, with love-struck young folk, mistaken identities, arranged marriages, wily servants and plenty of wordplay, is a fun evening of comedy for the whole family.

Tickets cost $4 for students and $6 for adults.  As with all Bexley productions, those holding Golden Buckeye cards are admitted free of charge.  For ticket information, call the Theatre Hotline at 231-7611, extension 6709.

Food drive for Helping Hands
The Rotary Club of Reynoldsburg/Pickerington plans to hold a Thanksgiving "Food Raiser" to benefit the local Helping Hands food pantry, on Nov. 17, from 9-11 a.m.

Those wanting to make a donation to the Helping Hands Thanksgiving Food Raiser are encouraged to drive through the Pagoda Center parking lot, 1363 Brice Road, with food, personal care and monetary donations to benefit those in need during this holiday season.  Helping Hands provides emergency food services to those who live in the Reynoldsburg school district.

All money collected, in lieu of food, goes directly to Helping Hands to purchase needed items not collected.  Monetary donations to Reynoldburg Helping Hands are tax deductible since they are classified as a non-profit organization by the Internal Revenue Service.

Bexley Community Book Club Bookfair Dec. 8
The first of two Bexley Community Book Club Bookfairs will take place Dec. 8 at Barnes and Noble Easton, from 9 a.m. until store closing at 11 p.m., as part of The Bexley Education Foundation's year-long community read initiative, Bexley Community Book Club.

The club is focusing on the works of Pete Hamill, and the effort will culminate with an appearance by the author April 30.  

The Bexley Education Foundation will receive up to 20 percent of profits of all Barnes and Noble sales (books, videos, music and at the coffee shop) purchased through vouchers specifically earmarked for the Bookfair that day.
Visual arts displays by Bexley High School seniors and students at Montrose Elementary will be featured throughout the day.  Gift wrapping services will be provided by Bexley-area Girl Scout troops.  

The schedule of special performances is as follows:
•11 a.m. - Bexley High School Jazz Combo
•1  p.m. - Bexley High School String Ensemble
•5 and 7 p.m. - Bexley High School Men's Ensemble  

WBNS 10TV Anchor Andrea Cambern will make a special appearance at Barnes and Noble at 2 p.m. where she will read excerpts from several Pete Hamill books for area shoppers and book discussion groups.  

Barnes and Noble Easton will host a second Bookfair on March 15.  Additional Bexley Schools arts activities and students will be featured, as well as further readings by Andrea Cambern.

Proceeds from Bexley Community Book Club, through sponsorships, ticket sales and book sales, will help support literary, performing and visual arts facilities and/or programs for the Bexley City Schools through the Arts Endowment Fund of The Bexley Education Foundation.  

Further information, including individual ticket sales information (advance general admission tickets are $25 each), can be obtained by calling the BEF office at 338-2093, or visiting www.bexleyeducationfoundation.org and clicking on the Bexley Community Book Club link.

Vouchers can be downloaded from The Bexley Education Foundation website, and will be available at the following locations: all five Bexley school buildings, the front entrance of the Cassingham complex, and along East Main Street in Bexley at The Bexley Public Library, Drexel Theatre, Starbucks Bexley, and Cup of Joe's.

Retired teachers to sing at Good Shepherd
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 211 North Merkle Road, will host The CEA-R Notes, a choir made up of Columbus retired teachers, Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.  

Much of this program will help get you  in the mood for the upcoming Christmas season.  Following the program refreshments will be served.

Tickets on sale for Capital's Christmas Festival concert
Tickets for Capital University's Christmas Festival 2007, "All Things Bright and Beautiful," Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m. are on sale to the general public.

Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens (age 62 and older). A $2 handling fee will be processed per order for purchased tickets.

There is a limit of 10 tickets total per purchase. Christmas Festival ticket sales will be handled by through Capital's box office, located in Mees Hall, 1 College and Main. Box office hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Due to the length of the Christmas Festival concert, the event is not appropriate for infants and small children. For information or to order tickets by phone, call 236-7178.

Bexley Festival of the Arts seeking young artisans
The Kids' Gift Gallery, part of the Bexley Festival of the Arts, showcases Bexley children's creativity, artistic talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, giving them opportunities to create and sell their own hand-made work.  

The Gallery will be open Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Montrose Elementary and each booth must be staffed by at least one adult and child.  A booth costs $15, with proceeds benefit the district's Artists in the School Programs.  
Visit the Montrose website for info at  www.montrosePTO.org .

Bexley leaf collection under way
The Bexley Service Department has begun its leaf collection and will continue through Dec. 21.

Leaves should be placed on the back side of the curb and not raked into the street or placed on park beds. It is unlawful to put leaves in the street, where they can cause flooding and create a traffic hazard. Violators can be cited.

No leaves will be picked up from the alleys.

One crew will begin on the west side of each section of the city. Residents can visit the web site www.bexley.org or call 559-4202 for a daily schedule.

Capital University Theatre, Conservatory of Music programs
Capital University's Theatre Program, and Conservatory of Music will hold the following events during the 2007-2008 academic year:

Capital University Theatre
•"Little Shop of Horrors," the musical about a flower shop schlep and the man-eating plant he creates by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, Nov. 15-18.

•"Twelfth Night," a comedy by William Shakespeare, Feb. 14-17.
•One-Act Play Festival, a series of student-directed plays, April 17-20.
Thursday and Friday performances are at 8 p.m. Saturday performances are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 2 p.m.

All performances are held in the Cabaret Theatre, located in the basement of the Harry C. Moores Campus Center. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $4 for student and senior citizens. Admission is free for students with a current Capital I.D. For more information, call 236-7174.

Conservatory of Music
•Nov. 18, Community Music School Junior Winds concert, 2 p.m. in Mees Hall; Flute Choir concert, 3 p.m. in Huntington Recital Hall; Columbus Symphonic Youth Band, 3 p.m. in Mees Hall; Clarinet Choir, 7:30 p.m. in Huntington Recital Hall.
•Capital University Christmas Festival in Mees Hall, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 2 at 3:30 p.m.
•Brass Choir concert, Dec. 4, 8 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•Chamber Winds concert, Dec. 5, 8 p.m. in Huntington Recital Hall.
•University Bands "Concerto Concert," Dec. 7, 8 p.m. in Mees Hall.
•Community Music School Youth Choir Concert, Dec. 9, 3 p.m. in Mees Hall.

All music events are free except the Early Music programs, Christmas Festival and Women in Music performances. For information call 236-6411.

JCC events

The Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center, at 1125 College Ave., has provided the following announcements:

School's Out Day Nov. 21 with bowling,  Graeter's tour
School is out for Thanksgiving break on Wednesday, Nov. 21, and school-age children are invited to the JCC on that day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to go bowling at AMF Sawmill Lanes and then on a tour of Graeter's Ice Cream to learn how ice cream is made.

After returning to the JCC, the "School's Out Day" continues with swimming in the JCC's heated indoor swimming pool.  For information, contact John Weaver at 231-2731 or jweaver@columbusjcc.org, or visit the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org for a complete listing of children's programming.

Sign up for winter break camp
Sign-up for Winter Break Camp for school-age children is now open. The camp will be held at the JCC from  Dec. 19 through Dec. 31. For information, contact John Weaver at 231-2731 or jweaver@columbusjcc.org, or visit the JCC website at www.columbusjcc.org for a complete listing of children's programming.

Talk about Medicare drug plans and have lunch
Representatives from AARP and United Healthcare will visit the JCC to talk with seniors about Medicare prescription drug plans on Nov. 30, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Annual enrollment for 2008 coverage ends Dec. 31.

During the event, which will include a free lunch courtesy of AARP and United Healthcare, seniors will be able to enter a raffle for prizes. Entertainment will be provided by the 3C Highway band, playing a musical road tour of the classics. RSVP by Nov. 27 to Debbie Vinocur at 559-6214.

Jewish teens collecting, wrapping gifts for families
The JCC's Jewish Experiences for Teens (JET), in cooperation with Jewish Family Services, is collecting presents for families participating in the Help Me Grow program. On Dec. 6, the teens will gather at the JCC at 5 p.m. for a light dinner and to wrap the presents.

Items on the wish list include: toys for children (ages newborn through 3) who are enrolled in the Help Me Grow program, toys for siblings (usually ages 4 through 10), as well as gift certificates for parents. RSVP by Nov. 29. For information, contact Samara Chodosh at 559-6255 or schodosh@columbusjcc.org.

Middle school sleep-over, Blue Jackets game
Middle school students are invited to the JCC on Dec. 8, for a night out to catch a Blue Jackets' game and then back to the center for a sleep-over. Students in the fifth through eighth grades will meet at the JCC at 6 p.m. and then head out to see the Blue Jackets versus the Minnesota Wild.

Afterward, they will return to the JCC for a late-night snack and a sleepover. Breakfast will be provided the next morning, with pick-up scheduled at 10 a.m.
Cost is $50, which includes food and transportation. Register by Nov. 28, with John Weaver at 559-6266 or e-mail at jweaver@columbusjcc.org.

Gallery Players to hold "South Pacific" auditions
Gallery Players, the JCC's community theater group, will hold auditions for "South Pacific" on Dec. 16  and 17. There are roles for 20 men, ranging in age from 20 to 60; nine women ranging in age from 20 to 35; one 35 to 50-year-old character woman; one 17-year-old girl, and two children, a girl (8 to 11 years old) and a boy (6 to 8 years old).  

"A handful of roles are of Polynesian decent, so actors of ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to audition," said Jared Saltman, JCC cultural arts director. "Singing and acting is required of all roles, and most roles must be able to dance."  
Those auditioning should wear comfortable clothes for dancing, as well as bring their resume, photo, and at least 16 bars of music for their audition song. A pianist will be provided for the auditions.

Eight performances will be staged from Feb. 23 through March 9. The production will be directed by Pam Hill.

New Mothers Circle starting
A new Mothers Circle will be starting in late November, with a "sneak peek" session about Chanukah set for Nov. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the JCC North, 1985 Swansford Drive, Dublin.  

The Mothers Circle is a nine-month class for women of differing backgrounds who are raising Jewish children.  It provides hands-on education in Jewish rituals, practices, and ethics, with an emphasis on childrearing.  Class topics include:  Making Jewish Choices,  The Jewish Home, Mitzvot, Passover, When Children Ask, and more.

Ongoing session dates and times will be determined by participant availability during that meeting.  For information about the Mothers Circle, contact Lindsay Folkerth, Mothers Circle coordinator, at 559-6228 or lfolkerth@columbusjcc.org.

Gallery Players season continues with "Mazel and Schlamazel"
Gallery Players has announced its 59th season. The productions being staged at the JCC of Greater Columbus for the 2007-2008 Gallery Players season are:

•"Mazel and Schlamazel," Dec. 7-16. "Mazel and Schlamazel" is a classic musical tale of good versus evil as Mazel, the spirit of good luck, and his entourage of Lucky Charms face off against Schlamazel, the spirit of bad luck, and his henchmen, the Jinxes.

•"South Pacific," Feb. 23-March 9, with auditions Dec. 16-19. "South Pacific" is a musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II based on two short stories by James A. Michener from his book "Tales of the South Pacific." It is generally considered to be one of the greatest musicals of all time, and a number of its songs, such as "Bali Ha'i," "Younger than Springtime," and "Some Enchanted Evening," have become worldwide standards.

•"Brooklyn Boy," May 17-June 1, with auditions March 16-18. "Brooklyn Boy," a drama written by Donald Margulies, is a story about what happens when the marginally successful writing career of middle-aged author Eric Weiss begins to take off with the publication of his novel.

Season subscriptions present a savings of 30 percent off of the single ticket price for all four shows. Season tickets are $30 per JCC member, $45 per non-member, $25 per JCC Senior member, and $40 per senior non-member. (Tickets for individual shows are $12 for JCC members, $18 for nonmembers, $10 for senior members, $16 for senior non-members, $8 for students, and $10 per ticket for groups of 10 or more.)

Those interested in making contributions to support the theater may become a JCC Patron of the Arts. Patron levels are $100 (with the patron receiving two tickets to one show), $250 (four tickets to one show), $500 (two subscriptions) and $1,000 (four subscriptions).

For information on season subscriptions or becoming a JCC Patron of the Arts, visit the Gallery Players website at jccgalleryplayers.org, or call 559-6248.

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